Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Maryland

Residency Requirements

• At least one spouse must have been a Maryland resident for at least 6 months before filing


• If grounds for divorce occurred outside Maryland, residency increases to 1 year

Grounds for Divorce

• Mutual Consent: Both parties agree (no waiting period)


• 12-Month Separation: Living apart for 12 months without cohabitation


• Irreconcilable Differences: With 6-month separation (2023 law change)

Filing Process

1. File Complaint for Absolute Divorce in circuit court


2. Serve your spouse


3. Exchange financial statements


4. Negotiate or proceed to trial

Family Courts in Maryland

Family law cases in Maryland are handled by Circuit Courts.

Court Structure

• 24 jurisdictions (23 counties + Baltimore City)


• Each has a circuit court with family law division

Major Metro Courts

• Baltimore City: Circuit Court for Baltimore City


• Montgomery County: Circuit Court, Rockville


• Prince George's County: Circuit Court, Upper Marlboro

Family Law Self-Help Centers

Available at most circuit courts to help with forms and procedures.

Filing Fees in Maryland

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $165


• Service fees: $40-$80 depending on method

Fee Waiver

Request for Waiver of Prepaid Costs available for those who cannot afford fees.

Typical Total Costs

• Uncontested: $1,000-$3,000


• Contested: $5,000-$30,000+

Free Legal Resources in Maryland

Maryland Legal Aid

• Website: mdlab.org


• Phone: 410-539-5340 (Baltimore) or check local office


• Largest civil legal aid provider in Maryland

Online Resources

• People's Law Library: peoples-law.org


• Maryland Free Legal Answers: maryland.freelegalanswers.org


• MD Courts Self-Help: mdcourts.gov/selfhelp

Pro Bono Programs

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service: mvlslaw.org

Critical Deadlines in Maryland

Separation Period

• Mutual consent: No separation required


• Irreconcilable differences: 6 months separation


• Without mutual consent: 12 months separation

Response Deadline

30 days to file a response after being served (60 days if served out of state).

Financial Statements

Must be filed within 30 days of filing or response.

Maryland's Unique Family Law Features

2023 Divorce Law Changes

Maryland added irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce with 6-month separation requirement.

Limited Divorce

Maryland offers "limited divorce" (legal separation) which can be converted to absolute divorce later.

Marital Property

Maryland is an equitable distribution state - property divided fairly, not necessarily equally.

Pendente Lite Alimony

Temporary alimony during divorce proceedings is common.

Best Interests Attorneys

Courts may appoint a Best Interests Attorney to represent the child's interests.